Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F).  It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play. 

Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices. 

From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences. 

Two-night Royal Winchester overnight stay package

What's on in Hampshire in July, August and September?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

Portsmouth Anniversary blog - why visit in 2026

Frequently Asked Questons About Events in Hampshire

What's on in Hampshire today?

You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place. 

Planning to stay overnight after an event?

If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.

Are there any family-friendly events in Hampshire?

Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.

Hampshire Events Near Me

The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration.  If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.

Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 121

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Halloween Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Whiteley

    Come along for a spooky afternoon of delicious delights! There will be a selection of sandwiches and treats, followed by a spooky cookie decorating.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 12:30 - 23:00
  2. Southampton Boat Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Southampton

    Back for its 57th edition, the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show, Britain's largest marine festival, is returning to Mayflower Park, Southampton. The show will be open from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th September, and promises to have…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to27 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  3. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.

    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  4. The New Forest and Hampshire County Show 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brockenhurst

    The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2027to29 July 2027
  5. Spooky Murder Mystery

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Basingstoke

    Saturday 24th October 2026

    We invite you to a murder mystery night of solving crimes and indulgent dining on Saturday 24th October at Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire! join a cast of classic character for a Country House whodunit in…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  6. Harvest and Heritage Festival at Whitchurch Silk Mill

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Whitchurch

    Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.

    Venue

    Whitchurch Silk Mill, Basingstoke and Deane

    Dates

    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    From:
    25 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  7. Royal Package Getaway

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Winchester

    Get away this summer with a two-night stay away at the Royal Winchester Hotel. Located in the heart of Winchester, this historic hotel full of modern comforts is a fantastic base not only to discover the ancient capital of England, but also the…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026to30 Sept 2026
  8. The Nutshell Jazz Club: Tom Barton Quartet

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Winchester

    Opening this year's Winchester Jazz Festival, composer and saxophonist Tom Barford, winner of the 2017 Kenny Wheeler Prize, brings his quartet to The Nutshell for an evening of ambitious, eclectic and virtuosic contemporary jazz.

    Tom's name has…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
  9. Halloween Archery Pumpkin Shooting with New Forest Activities'

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Brockenhurst

    Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…

    Venue

    New Forest Activities, New Forest

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 13:30
  10. Artist in Residence Anniversary Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday December 3

    Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026Open 18:30 -
  11. Simply Italian

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.

    All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Winchester

    Sit back and relax to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the retro full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, Wish You Were Here at Winchester Science Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 19:45 - 21:15
  13. Santa Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Farnham

    Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  14. Milestones Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Churchill Way West, Basingstoke

    Milestones Christmas Market brings together the best of the season, unique gifts, festive food, live music and family fun, all set within the bustling cobbled streets of Milestones.

    Venue

    Milestones Museum, Basingstoke and Deane

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:40
  15. Ryde Hovercraft Experience Flights

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Ryde

    For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to27 Sept 2026
  16. Isle of Wight Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newport

    The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.

    Dates

    From:
    17 June 2027to20 June 2027
  17. Go Ape Southampton Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Southampton

    Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.

    Venue

    Go Ape Southampton, Southampton

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026Open 16:30 -
  18. Family Bushcraft with New Forest Activities

    Type

    Type:

    Participatory Event

    Beaulieu

    Join New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a fantastic introduction to the world of Bushcraft, based in the heart of the New Forest National Park.

    Venue

    New Forest Activities, New Forest

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
  19. Coffee on the Coast: Portsmouth's Specialty Coffee Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsea

    Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 13:00
    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 13:30 - 17:00
  20. Owl-O-Ween

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday October 29 & Friday 30

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -